On August 29, 2019 the City of Fillmore released the following: The City of Fillmore is requesting proposals from arts and performance organizations and individuals interested in acquiring the Fillmore Towne Theatre located at 338 Central Avenue in Fillmore CA. A complete copy of the Request for Proposals can be viewed and downloaded from the City’s website at, http://www.fillmoreca.com/business/request-for-proposal/). Three copies of the proposal must be submitted in sealed envelopes and addressed to: David Rowlands, City Manager at City of Fillmore, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015. All proposals must be submitted at or before 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. Please mark the outside of the envelopes (and express shipment envelope, if applicable) as follows: “PURCHASE OF THE HISTORIC TOWNE THEATRE IN FILLMORE, CALIFORIA” Questions may be directed to David Rowlands, City Manager at drowlands@ci.fillmore.ca.us or 805-312-9746.

Looking to stay cool in the hot weather, the Cooling Center is open at the Fillmore Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore (805) 524-3030, and Fillmore Library, 502 Second Street, Fillmore (805) 524-3355.

Bob Crum

Some readers are charmingly curious. Larry M. suspected that there's more to photographic style than camera settings as discussed in the previous column. He asked: Besides camera settings, how is "style" implemented? The question presents a conundrum: Photographic style is as elusive to describe as balance, gravity and the taste of lasagna.

Let's make lasagna. I carefully layer the noodles, sauce, meat, minced garlic, whole milk ricotta and sliced mozzarella. After baking at 400º for 40 minutes, and cooled, I anxiously take the first bite. Ah! Now, let me describe the scrumptious flavor. HA! My brain tells me it tastes good, but it's impossible to articulate what my tongue's sensory taste buds tell my brain!

Lasagna and photography have much in common. To make a photo, we layer ISO, lens aperture and shutter speed in the camera. However, instead of an oven, we bake (post-process) the photo in the computer with photo editing software programs. Afterward, ah, a scrumptious photo emerges. But I can no more describe the magnificence my eyes see as I can describe the taste of lasagna. But oh how I enjoy both. The photo highlights so delicate. The background bokeh indescribable. Texture, detail and dynamic range so splendid words cannot describe the eye candy I see.

I realize that for many, post-processing, aka photo editing, is something to be avoided like sunbathing in a hail storm. I get it! But make no mistake; photo editing is essential if you desire to improve your photos. There isn't an alternative. No shortcuts. You edit, or you have to accept whatever your camera gives you.

Lest readers perceive that photo editing is a superficial exercise, a few words from George D. Lepp, an Outdoor Photographer magazine columnist. "Post-processing images is an essential element of digital photography. RAW capture (you're shooting in RAW format, aren't you?) [his words] is only the beginning of the process, not yet as good as the image can be - that's why it's called RAW. If you're shooting in JPEG format, you're letting the camera decide a lot about how your image will look."

Lepp added, "Now don't get me wrong: it's not just about 'fixing it' on the computer. I prefer the term 'optimizing.' When you sit down to edit, you still need to start with an image file that has good content and composition and is technically excellent."

A timely note from photographer Kevin Landwer-Johan on contrastly.com: "Know your camera so well you don’t have to think about it every moment you are using it. This will make you a better photographer." Excellent advice, however, that's merely one-half of the requisite for developing a photographic "style." Style is best accomplished in the digital darkroom. Photo editing software, the magic sauce, provides adjustment options for exposure, color and contrast to produce a photo like the scene as seen by the photographer. More importantly, the editing program also empowers the photographer to, ahem, embellish the photo to taste, which if applied consistently, combined with consistent camera settings, becomes the photographers photographic "style!" But perhaps you think photo editing is boring! Or worse, tedious? Au contraire, mon ami! 'Tis creative enjoyment beyond description.

The previous photo of the week of a sea lion was not stylized. Being a jpeg from my Panasonic P&S camera, attempting to apply a style to a jpeg with any photo editor is as useless as applying lipstick on a hippopotamus.

Photo of the week is Baldwin #14 steam engine's tender getting water at the Loose Caboose in Santa Paula Labor Day weekend.

Send comments, questions or suggestions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

Ventura County Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Andy Calderwood gave a presentation on Ventura's now legal industrial hemp, approved in 2018. He mentioned that George Washington grew hemp on his farm for cordage. The county has approved about 4,000 acres for the production of hemp. Three of four crops can be produced in hot house environments. They can produce 5000 pounds per acre. It has an odor similar to marijuana. Certain oils such as CBD can be derived from this plant.

8-B Planning Commission's recommendations were accepted by the City Council, to wit: 1.Submit comments about amending the Downtown Specific Plan. 2.Direct City Staff to develop a Request Proposal and budget for City Council approval to select a consultant to update the Downtown Specific Plan.

8-C Council concluded that electric and natural gas technologies are available to achieve the climate goals and "we should be able to maintain local control and not be forced to use one source of energy over another". Staff's recommendation was approved to maintain local control of energy solutions.

8-D Staff recommended that the City Council: 1. Adopt the attached Resolution 19-3734 authorizing the City Manager to file a claim with the Ventura County Transportation Commission for the allocation of Transportation Development Act Funds for Fiscal Year 2019-20; and2. Approve the attached Budget Adjustment to recognize the actual TDA funding to be received for the FY 2019-20 budget. Council approved Staff's recommendation.

8-E REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REGARDING BILLING ISSUES. This lengthy agenda issue is available on the city's website. It concerns the method city should use to bill different groups for activities.

8-F TOWNE THEATRE. City Council, acting as the Successor Agency Board of Directors, providing comments and direction regarding the RFP for the Towne Theatre. City Council/Successor Agency Board authorized staff to solicit offers from private parties to purchase the Towne Theatre.

Maia Yasmine James, of Palmdale.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Maia Yasmine James (DOB 06/12/97), of Palmdale, was sentenced to eight years in state prison, following her June 21, 2019, convictions for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury. James also admitted special allegations that she inflicted great bodily injury, had a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or higher and injured additional victims.

On the evening of October 13, 2017, James drove into oncoming traffic on Highway 126 east of Fillmore and struck two vehicles traveling in opposing lanes. The passenger in James’ car was killed. The driver and passenger of the first vehicle James struck were seriously injured. Two occupants of the second vehicle James struck were also injured. Investigation by the California Highway Patrol found that James had a blood alcohol content of 0.258 percent after the collision, more than three times the legal limit, and had consumed more than seven alcoholic drinks.

After James pled guilty to her crimes, and prior to her sentencing, she was arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence of alcohol in San Diego County. Her case in San Diego County is still pending.

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